Anne Arundel County delegates are poised to approve legislation Friday giving County Executive Steve Schuh a new tool for economic development — a "payment in lieu of taxes," or PILOT, program.

The first-term Republican and his administration argue this would be a cheaper way to support private development. By waiving $500,000 to $1 million in property taxes a year, the county would remove the cost of creating bonds backed by property taxes as a financing measure, and shift the responsibility for financing completely to the developer.

Schuh also argues that without taxpayer support, the intended first benefit from a private-sector PILOT program will not materialize. Maryland Live, which now faces greater competition from casinos in Baltimore and Prince George's County, plans to build a hotel and conference center to enhance its appeal.

The Cordish Cos., owner of the casino, is an smart competitor. But it doesn't need a conference center big enough to hold high school graduations, which currently have to be held outside the county. Schuh says that with a PILOT program, the new conference center will be of the right size.

These are reasonable arguments for the measure, House Bill 695, and we have long wanted a facility in Anne Arundel that can keep graduations local. Beyond this, however, there is plenty in the bill that should make lawmakers queasy.

Schuh says HB 695 will tie the hands of his successors, as it requires a clear "public benefit" for schools, public safety or other government services in ways both "extraordinary" and "quantifiable." The conference center is a perfect example: a benefit for schools that Cordish won't otherwise provide.

Schuh says no other projects are on the table. But what keeps the next executive from offering PILOT to a massive commercial project in exchange for a new school — that's "quantifiable" — in an area where classroom overcrowding has frozen development — would that be "extraordinary"? Would a park qualify, when the county has a shortage of recreational assets?

Schuh says such projects would not be covered. OK. But then change the word "extraordinary" to "unique," so the county can use this only for one-of-kind projects, not to fulfill a wish list.

Another reservation, perhaps more philosophical in nature, is that this would expand the county's existing relationship with the slot machine and poker industry — in which the public already shares in casino profits to fund local government.

That partnership is a big step beyond policies that create fertile ground for business success, even if taxpayers do benefit from a healthy tax base. There is no other private enterprise for which local government makes policy decisions that directly contribute to the bottom line.

The expansion of PILOT programs, previously used for affordable housing initiatives, takes this relationship one step farther. How long will it be until we are asked to take yet another step?

Before they vote for this, lawmakers have to be confident the public wants this tighter embrace of casinos. For that's what a "yes" vote will mean.